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Risks of a Foley bulb induction

Doctors should consider a woman's medical history, the course of pregnancy, and the current health status of the fetus when recommending a Foley bulb induction.

According to a 2018 systematic review, the risks of using a Foley bulb to dilate the cervix are low. Looking at 26 studies and 8292 women, the researchers found that the most common adverse effect was pain or discomfort.

The Foley bulb placement may also stimulate contractions, which can be uncomfortable or painful.

When is a Foley bulb induction recommended?

Sometimes, a doctor may recommend a Foley bulb induction if a pregnant woman meets the following criteria:

over 37 weeks gestation

older than 18 years of age

pregnant with one baby

intact amniotic membranes, meaning the membranes have not ruptured

Women can choose to have an induction — this is called an elective induction. Common reasons to have an elective induction include labor not starting naturally when the baby is due and living far away from the hospital.

Other induction methods

Doctors may recommend other methods to induce labor, such as using a double balloon catheter, or Cook cervical ripening balloon. This device is similar to a Foley catheter but has two balloons instead of one.

They may also insert special medications into the cervix to help induce labor. These medications include:

misoprostol (Cyotec)

dinoprostone (Prepidil or Cervidil)

A doctor may also give a woman oxytocin intravenously to promote uterine contractions.

Outlook

A Foley bulb induction is one method of inducing labor. There are many reasons — both medical and elective — why a woman may have a Foley bulb induction.

Induced labor is common, occurring in almost a quarter of childbirths. Foley bulb induction is safe and does not have any negative side effects or risks for the woman or baby.

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